http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subvocalization
I'm curious about how often or to what degree visitors to this site subvocalize as they read. I was originally interested in reducing subvocalizations as a way to increase reading speed, as the idea is mentioned in multiple pieces I've read about speed reading.
The Wikipedia entry seems to focus on subtle throat and muscle movements, but I'm more interested to know if you "say" or "hear" the words in your head as you read.
Since reading about subvocalization recently, I seem to notice that I "say/hear" what I'm reading quite frequently. I'm not sure if this is causal (in the way that the command "don't think of pink elephants" obliges you to do so), or if I just notice it more now, or both.
When I'm very engrossed in a book either I don't notice the subvocalizations or they stop happening, so seems that it could either be a cause or a symptom of distractedness.
In the comments, please describe your mental subvocalizations (or lack of them) and if they are related to how engrossed you are in the book. Any other comments relevant comments about speed reading or subvocalizations are welcome.
That's strange. I thought I wouldn't be able to do it, but I tried and it turns out I can. It's difficult, though, and I'm not counting perfectly (there are repetitions and possibly skips). If I focus more on getting the counting right my reading ability degrades. I've also noticed on earlier occasions that I can read while listening to someone speak, this as well done imperfectly.
EDIT: I realised you might have meant to count loud out. I actually just counted in my head. I'm now trying to count to out loud (even while writing this comment 290.. 291... 292..) I can still read (and even write). It's hard, I sometimes have pauses in my counting and I read with noticeably less attention and speed.
380.. 381.. 382
Huh, same here, it was much easier than I expected. Elsewhere in the comments, buybuydandavis noted a distinction between 'hearing' and 'saying', and I think that's what's going on here, for me it least. I say what I'm counting, but mostly hear what I'm reading.
I can't read while listening to someone, so at least somewhat different things are going on between us.